Leaving batteries unattended with no charging or use.

[donald77777]

Hello everyone I just received 4 interstate U-2200 batteries. Now due to some unforeseen circumstances I have to shelf my solar setup. Now I was wondering how long can these batteries last without any damage in the garage (80F) without any charging or use?

[Flux]

I don't know what technology those batteries are. 80F is rather warm for leaving batteries alone.

If they are lead cadmium then several months may be ok and at more modest temperatures even up to a year if they are absolutely full charged at the start.

If lead antimony then much shorter periods. If you can monitor the voltage I would start to get bothered below 12.4v if the period runs into weeks. You will almost certainly be able to recover them even down to 12v ( or pro rata if they are not 12v), but you may shorten the useful life.

If you are not there and can't monitor volts then try to keep the period as short as possible and just hope.

Flux

[wooferhound]

I stored a fully charged Car battery for 1.5 years in a garage that ran from freezing to 90 degrees F.

The voltage only went down 2/10 volt during that time and it appears to be working as good as the day I unhooked it from my solar power system.

[kurt]

in your garage?? most garages have 120v electrical power?? your best bet would be to buy a 12v 3 stage smart charger wire all the batteries up series parallel for 12v and hook them up to the battery charger a 3 stage charger will float them indefinitely just don't use the alligator clips that come with the battery charger make solid connections because the alligator clips tend to corrode and loose contact after a wile.  a 6 amp 3 stage smart charger would set you back about $50 or so and you have $200 worth  of batteries there so it is up to you....  

[Usman]

Hi,

I hope the following link helps.

http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2007/12/2/233728/480

Thanks.

[nick1234]

1st year okay top of after 12 mouths then every 6 mouths

thats what the mfg. said to do

we use to  get by the container

[dnix71]

u-2200's are 6 volt batteries

http://www.ibsa.com/www_2001/content/products/product_6volt.asp

You'll need two in series to make 12volts before attaching a trickle/float charger